Although the trip had many rocky moments (Canceled flight, lost luggage, a broken phone, etc), I'm sitting here, feeling exhilarated after just getting back from New Orleans. I'm not exactly sure what is it about NOLA that always leaves me so inspired - the colorful buildings, the artists on the streets, the live jazz music on every corner - whatever it is, it feels a lot like magic. My partner, Zack, was born and raised in Louisiana, so we visit 2-3 times a year. Each trip, we eat beignets at Cafe Du Monde and try a new restaurant that we've never been to before.

Every time we got to the French Market, I see this man named Yeon, who creates beautiful, live name paintings in just 10 minutes. I had him make one for my little sister, Ella.

Zack's family lives about 45 minutes away from the city, so we actually spend most of our time there, and every year, I get to experience different southern things, such as crawfish boils, po' boys, snowball stands, drive thru daiquiri places, alligator farms, and so much more. It's really such an interesting place to be. I think it's really cool to see how different things are, in not only different countries, but in other parts of America. It opens your eyes and makes you so much brighter. Diversity is such a wonderful thing.

Side note, if you ever find yourself in Hammond, Louisiana, do yourself a huge favor and go to Albasha (The best restaurant EVER) and PJ's Coffee, then drive about 30 minutes west of Hammond, to Livingston Parish, and get yourself some nachos and a cherry coke at G&J's. You're welcome.

This past Friday, myself, along with dear friends, Shaunae Teske and Colleen Bies, hosted Kreativ Workshop, a workshop for the creative entrepreneur, at The Draw. I cannot even express how wonderful the experience was. Hanging out with some incredible girl bosses and making new friends. I taught a watercolor class to wind down and relax. Whether you read, run, cook, and so on, it's important to make time to do something for yourself. Shaunae taught everyone about social media marketing, blogging, and how to create the perfect lay-flat. She expressed the importance of your "WHY" - Why do you do what you do? And showed everyone how to take incredible photos, even if you're not a photographer. Colleen presented extraordinary business advice and a beautiful, heartfelt story on why she decided to start her business. Every guest went home with a tote bag filled with with awesome things like a Winsor & Newton watercolor pan palette, a hand lettered "Empowered women empower women," by Jenna Kast Studio, and so much more.

Starting a business in the arts is HARD and it can be so lonely. I can't express how grateful I am to have found friends in Shaunae and Colleen. Every single Monday we get together for lunch to talk about our businesses, our goals, and anything exciting or challenging going on in our lives. And every Monday evening, I come home feeling refreshed, motivated, and inspired. Because we're so passionate about female entrepreneurs, we wanted to curate an event that would bring like-minded women together, and help them cultivate a life full of intentional living, balance, and joy. The profits went to She's The First, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships, mentor ship, and empowerment to girls in low-income countries who will be the first in their families to graduate.

The space looked stunning thanks to the help of Ebb & Flow Flowers and a handcrafted, wooden backdrop by Weathered Wisconsin.

I am so honored to have spent the day with these AMAZING women and I can't wait to watch them build marvelous businesses and THRIVE in life.